French Phrase
Catan, c'est un classique.
Meaning
The sentence means “Catan is a classic.” It is a short, emphatic way to say that the board game Settlers of Catan is considered a timeless, must‑play title.
When to use
Use this phrase when recommending games, movies, books, or any cultural product that you think has earned a lasting reputation. It works well in casual conversation, reviews, or when answering the question “Qu’est‑ce qui vaut le coup?” (What’s worth playing?).
✦Grammar Breakdown
Catan,c'estunclassique.
c'est (ce + est)
The contraction c'est combines the demonstrative pronoun ce (this/that) with the verb être (to be) and is used before a noun or an adjective with an article.
Indefinite article un
Un is the masculine singular indefinite article, equivalent to 'a' or 'an' in English.
classique as noun
When placed after c'est, classique functions as a noun meaning 'a classic' (a work that has stood the test of time).
🗨In Conversation
Catan, c'est un classique.
Catan is a classic.
Oui, tout le monde y joue encore aujourd'hui.
Yes, everyone still plays it today.
✕Common Mistakes
Catan, il est un classique.
Use c'est before a noun with an article; il est is only used before adjectives or professions without an article.
Catan, c'est classique.
When you want to say the game itself is classic, you need the article; omitting it changes the meaning to ‘a classic (thing)’ rather than ‘the classic.’
↔Alternatives
Catan, c'est un jeu incontournable.
Catan is an essential game.
Catan, c'est un incontournable du monde du jeu de société.
Catan is a must‑have in the board‑game world.
Catan, c'est un vrai classique.
Catan is a true classic.
Cultural Tip
In French, c'est is preferred before a noun phrase (c'est un classique) while il/elle est is used before an adjective alone (c'est intéressant). Also, the word classique can be used as a noun to label a work that has become a reference point in its field. When speaking about games, French speakers often add the word « jeu » for clarity, but dropping it as in this sentence is perfectly natural and sounds more idiomatic.